It was fourth grade. I was part of an advanced elementary program. I was bussed to a middle school every day where I took an advanced independent study course. I remember it being very intense. We learned material that was WAY beyond elementary curriculum. In fact, I learned about things I didn’t get introduced to until high school.
I lived in San Antonio, Texas at the time. I lived down the street from Lackland Air Force Base which meant a lot of my teachers were military spouses.
As part of this accelerated program, we attended many seminars. One of the seminars was led by one of our teachers. It was a whole week-long course on Japan. She had recently returned from Japan. She brought kimonos, yukatas, kites, toys, and other things from Japan to share with us. She also had so many pictures and stories. It was the first time I was introduced to Japan and I fell in love.
Shortly after fourth grade, my life became super dysfunctional. The last thing I could think about was Japan. I was trying to survive and had no room for dreams.
Then, in high school, I went to a teen club and they were playing Vampire Hunter D. I was captivated. I stayed at the “bar” and watched that while my other friend mingled. Shortly after, my best friend made me watch Neon Genesis, Akira, Fists of the North Star, and eventually Ranma 1/2. Like a light switch, my fascination with Japanese culture was reignited.
Then, my first marriage happened and the dysfunction returned and I lost touch with Japanese culture and anime. It wasn’t until a decade later that I divorced and then married my current husband. Loving anime, he brought me back into the fold with My Love Story and School Live.
This was the true awakening of my passion for Japan. I’ll be visiting Japan in March/April 2027. It’s only a year and a month away! We’ll be booking tickets and hotel soon.
What do I love about Japanese culture? I love the fashion, the anime and entertainment. I love their technology. They always seem one step ahead of us. They keep their cities clean; they have a higher level of respect for each other. The food. OMG, the food!
How about you? How did anime impact you and your understanding of Japanese culture?
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